While I was nosing around several baseball-related websites, I ran across a couple of articles that looked back fondly on Adam's tenure in Baltimore. He's a free agent this offseason, but 11 years with the Orioles have brought him much respect for his work both on and off the baseball field.

The organization and its fans paid tribute to him at the Orioles' final home game on September 30 as follows:

Quote:

At 3:03 p.m. ET on Sunday, Adam Jones emerged, running out of the home dugout at Camden Yards full speed -- like he has for the past 11 years - and headed toward center field. It was only when he approached second base that he realized he was all alone. With his walk-up music blaring and fans on their feet, Jones spun around and faced the crowd, relishing the moment. Teammates hovered, the umpire crew doffed their caps and even the Astros' dugout joined in the applause as the 33-year-old, the face of the franchise and the "O"s' return to prominence, got his salute.

The ovations, of course, didn't stop there. Every time Jones strode to the plate in the Orioles' season-ending 4-0 win over the Astros, it was a moment that stood still. Astros starter Charlie Morton gave Jones his own tribute, staying off the mound for several minutes in the first inning as the veteran dug in to an eruption that only ended when the first pitch landed in Houston catcher Max Stassi's glove.

...A free agent at season's end, Jones played one inning in center field before moving to right and went hitless in four at-bats. He was replaced in the top of the ninth to the loudest roar of the day. The typically stoic veteran tipped his cap to the crowd several times -- each causing the crowd noise to tick up a decibel -- hugging replacement Joey Rickard and Astros first-base coach Alex Cintron on his way to a line of teammates and coaches awaiting an embrace.

Very proud of this native San Diegan!_________________"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."